Save A luscious, creamy ricotta dip swirled with sweet, spicy hot honey and perfect for spreading on crostini or serving with fresh veggies. Ready in just 15 minutes, this appetizer is sure to be the star of any gathering.
I first whipped up this ricotta dip for a weekend get-together, and everyone raved about the unforgettable swirl of spicy honey over the lush cheese base.
Ingredients
- Whole-milk ricotta cheese: 1 ½ cups (375 g)
- Cream cheese: 2 oz (60 g), softened
- Heavy cream: ¼ cup (60 ml)
- Honey: ⅓ cup (80 ml)
- Hot sauce (sriracha or similar): 1–2 tsp, to taste
- Red pepper flakes: ½ tsp
- Garlic clove: 1 small, finely grated
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Lemon zest: ½ tsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste
- Crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables: To serve
- Fresh herbs (chives, basil, thyme): Chopped, optional
Instructions
- Prepare Hot Honey:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Blend the Ricotta:
- In a food processor or with a hand mixer, blend ricotta, cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Assemble the Dip:
- Spoon the whipped ricotta into a shallow serving bowl. Using the back of a spoon, create a swirl pattern on the surface.
- Swirl Hot Honey:
- Drizzle the warm hot honey generously over the ricotta, swirling it in for a marbled effect.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Save This dip always gets requested at our family gatherings, and even the kids love the unexpected sweetness from the honey swirl.
Required Tools
Food processor or hand mixer, small saucepan, grater or microplane, serving bowl
Allergen Information
This dip contains dairy (ricotta, cream cheese, and heavy cream). If serving with bread or crackers, gluten may be present—use gluten-free options if necessary. Double-check all store-bought ingredients for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 180, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 6 g
Save This creamy ricotta dip is sure to delight at any party—don’t forget plenty of crostini for dipping. Enjoy every savory, sweet bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the hot honey swirl?
Gently warm honey with hot sauce and red pepper flakes over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, then let it cool slightly before swirling it over the whipped ricotta.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients for a lighter option?
Yes, you can replace cream cheese or heavy cream with Greek yogurt to create a lighter, tangier texture without sacrificing creaminess.
- → What can I serve this with?
This creamy dip pairs well with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables like carrots and cucumber for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
- → How spicy is the final dish?
The level of spice can be adjusted by varying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
- → Are there any pairing suggestions for drinks?
Crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling complement the creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors beautifully.